Fil-Am skier rarin’ to race for Phl
Fil-Am alpine skier Asa Miller looks forward to racing for the Philippines in next month’s Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, Korea.
The Oregon-based Miller boosted his shot at the Olympiad by landing seventh in men’s Giant Slalom in the FIS event at Mission Ridge Ski Resort last November, hiking his tally to 127 points to breach the 140 standard set by the International Ski Federation (FIS) for the Feb. 8-25 Games.
“It’s a one of a kind chance to fulfill a dream and a goal to ski race for the Philippines in the 2018 Winter Olympics,” said Miller, who is set to compete in the Giant Slalom event.
“The road to qualification has not been easy, I’ve faced many frustrating days and have learned a lot in the process. Over the last year and a half, I’ve been refining my mental and skiing skills, helping me respond to mistakes and challenges. These life lessons are valuable and are applicable on and off the race course,” he added.
The 17-year-old Miller, so far the only Pinoy qualifier in Pyeongchang, has launched a fundraising campaign via the website www.gofundme.com to defray the cost of his Olympic journey.
“The funds would be used to cover expenses incurred during my journey to qualification. This ranges from equipment costs to race entry fees. I leave Feb 5, anything would be appreciated,” he said.
Rio Olympics silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz was among those who donated to the fundraiser, wishing his kababayan good luck.
The Phl is looking to qualify two more, Sochi campaigner Michael Martinez in figure skating and Adrian Tongko in snowboarding.
Martinez, who missed the berths awarded to the Top 6 by one spot in the qualifying meet, may get another Olympic stint if there’s a withdrawal by a qualifier.
Fil-Canadian Tongko won back-to-back FIS Snowboard Slopestyle events at Big White Ski Resort in Canada this week but the Philippine Ski Federation said there might not be enough time for him to meet the standard for Pyeongchang, though he’s close to 100 points needed to gain entry to the World Cup.